Easy Beef Bourguignon
Easy homemade Beef Bourguignon recipe with tender beef, red wine, and vegetables. Classic French stew made simple for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely diced
- 4 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups dry red wine
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 12 pearl onions, peeled
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Cut the beef chuck roast into 2-inch cubes and pat them dry with paper towels to help them brown properly.
- 2
Cook the chopped bacon in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- 3
Increase heat to medium-high and working in batches, brown the beef cubes on all sides until deeply golden, approximately 3 minutes per side, then set aside on a clean plate.
- 4
Reduce heat to medium and sauté the diced yellow onions in the remaining fat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize slightly.
- 6
Pour in the red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot, letting the liquid bubble gently for 2 minutes.
- 7
Return the cooked beef and bacon to the pot, then add the beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary, stirring well to combine.
- 8
Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover partially with a lid, and reduce heat to low for 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 9
Add the carrot pieces, pearl onions, and mushroom halves to the pot along with the balsamic vinegar, then cover again and continue simmering for 45 minutes more.
- 10
Whisk the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl to create a slurry, then stir it into the pot to thicken the sauce slightly.
- 11
Simmer uncovered for 10 additional minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness and coats the back of a spoon.
- 12
Season the entire stew with salt and black pepper to taste, remove the bay leaves, and serve immediately in deep bowls with crusty bread or over egg noodles.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| beef chuck roast | lean beef sirloin or grass-fed beef chuck | Reduces saturated fat and calories while maintaining protein content and tender texture through proper cooking time |
| dry red wine | low-sodium beef broth mixed with 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar | Reduces alcohol content and sodium while maintaining depth of flavor through the vinegar's complexity |
| bacon | smoked paprika (1 teaspoon) for flavor without the processed meat | Provides smoky depth and reduces saturated fat, sodium, and processed meat consumption for better gut health |
| cornstarch thickener | mashed white beans or potato starch | Adds fiber and resistant starch which supports blood sugar stability and gut microbiome health |
| pearl onions | cipollini onions or shallots, quartered | Easier to prep while maintaining similar sweet flavor profile and reducing preparation time |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 625 |
| Total Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 135mg |
| Sodium | 580mg |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Protein | 54g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
